Sam Doyle (rugby union)

Samuel Campbell Doyle (28 January 1970 — 1 October 2022) was a New Zealand professional rugby union player.[1]

Sam Doyle
Full nameSamuel Campbell Doyle
Date of birth(1970-01-28)28 January 1970
Place of birthŌtaki, New Zealand
Date of death1 October 2022(2022-10-01) (aged 52)
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight188 lb (85 kg)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1991–93 Manawatu 43 (129)
1994–97 Wellington 30 (55)
1998–99 Horowhenua-Kapiti 19 (65)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
1996 Hurricanes 2 (5)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1992–94 NZ Māori 15 (51)

Raised in Ōtaki, Doyle was the oldest of four children and played locally for the Rāhui club.[2]

Doyle, primarily a fullback, played top-level rugby in New Zealand through the 1990s.[3] He was an All Black triallist and made several appearances for New Zealand Māori, including a match against the touring 1993 British Lions. In 1996, Doyle joined the Hurricanes as an injury replacement for Christian Cullen and played two Super 12 matches, scoring a try in their win over the Highlanders at Carisbrook.[4]

A teacher by profession, Doyle taught at te reo Māori-speaking schools and had five years as a principal.[2]

Doyle died of leukemia in 2022 at the age of 52.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Rugby community rallies to support Doyle". NZ Herald. 30 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "A full life for proud dad Sam Doyle". Otaki Today. 17 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Samuel Campbell Doyle". New Zealand Rugby History.
  4. ^ "Hurricanes raise $15k for former team-mate Sam Doyle in battle with leukaemia". Stuff.co.nz. 26 June 2020.
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